Hey - Hoping someone sees this and can offer some assistance. I’ll be doing some resealing work in the near future and am confused on the FSM’s RTV application instructions for the “cam end caps” (not sure of the right terminology - the cam caps that mate to the rear timing cover). I’ve seen two videos, one being directly from Cloyes, that show an application that seems to be different from the FSM.

Below is a screenshot of the FSM as well as a snippet from one of the vids I’m talking about. I interpret the FSM as applying RTV all the way to the edges but these videos are just filling in the little grooves, as circled in red in the 2nd pic below.

Help me - what is the right RTV application for this?!

 

Here's how I interpret the FSM instructions. You only apply a small 2-3mm bead of RTV around that outer port hole (far sides of bracket), do not get RTV in cam bearing oil channels. After torquing the cam bracket down, you need to clean up any excess RTV where the rear timing cover and rocker cover mate to the cylinder head. Screenshot of Nissan FSM included with some more detail. Lastly, before using any RTV, always follow basic rules when applying a liquid gasket sealer. Make sure the parts have been thoroughly cleaned, all old/hardened RTV needs to be removed, all oil residue and contaminants needs to be removed. Always use a lint free cloth when cleaning mating surfaces.

Basically, I would do a small bead (2mm) around the side port hole and stay as far away from the cam bearing oil passageways as possible. Those channels are probably there to capture excess RTV as it compresses and spreads out, thus keeping the RTV from clogging the oil feed channels. I would not recommend following the instructions in the video if they are applying RTV directly in those channels. That might work for an oil pan, but not when it comes to critical components like your cam caps!

Good Luck!
-Icer


FSM instructions.